The best Wilshere can now hope for is to be named as one of the five standby players Southgate will also announce.

Southgate will be desperate to keep details of his final squad secret until he goes public with the names he believes can make an impact at the Finals.

But it is understood he will choose Joe Hart ahead of Nick Pope as his third goalkeeper and is considering taking Ruben Loftus-Cheek, on-loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, following the withdrawal of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain through injury.

Newcastle's Jonjo Shelvey had been tipped to make the squad following his impressive form in recent months, but he has not even been considered.

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Jonjo Shelvey has been in good form for Newcastle

Southgate has been keen to ease the pressure on his preparations and wants those picked to be told as soon as possible.

England face two home warm-up games before leaving for Russia, against Nigeria at Wembley and Costa Rica at Elland Road.

Southgate wants the roles of those involved clearly defined ahead of the Finals and he said: "I'd like to (name the squad before the next friendly) because you end up being able to run a performance camp rather than a selection camp.

England World Cup 2018 squad: 10 outside shots to make the squad

GARETH SOUTHGATE will name his England squad for the World Cup soon, but will any of these curveballs make the cut?

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Alex McCarthy - The Southampton goalkeeper has ousted former England man Fraser Forster at club level and been impressive in the relegation run-in. Was called up while at Reading in 2013, but not capped

“If you name 23 and five on standby - which Sven (Goran Eriksson) did well - then everyone knows where they sit”

Gareth Southgate

"I think there's a difference in the feel for everybody. If you name 28 and they aren't sure, but if you name 23 and five on standby - which Sven (Goran Eriksson) did well - then everyone knows where they sit.

"Those on standby have a chance, but they come into the camp knowing that's their role.

"If you have got 28 or 30 who think they might have a chance, then there's a lot of uncertainty and anxiety within the games. For me, it's much better to get the 23 secured and work from there."